Tribute to Former Xerox CEO, David T. Kearns, Past Baldrige Supporter

Chuck Chada, former Xerox executive and incoming Chair of the Baldrige Panel of Judges reflects that it often helps to distill thoughts down to a personal level - David Kearns; former CEO and Chairman of Xerox from 1982 -1991, former Deputy Secretary of Education, and a man of many accomplishments, passed away February 25. A major part of his legacy resulted from his efforts in implementing Leadership through Quality to restore Xerox to a competitive position, efforts which were validated when Xerox won the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. The honor of winning Baldrige in 1989 was always very special and remained a key accomplishment to Mr. Kearns. Vernon Jordan delivered the eulogy at Mr. Kearns’ funeral and related how Mr. Kearns jumped up and down in his office with the glee of a school boy when he learned that Xerox had won. Over 20 years later, obituaries referenced the Baldrige award and contained photos of Mr. Kearns on stage with President Bush. I can think of no other Public / Private Sector partnership program that has had this type of deep and lasting impact. Read more at http://whattheythink.com/news/49417-former-xerox-ceo-david-kearns-passes-away/